Brownie Pecan Pie Recipe

Heavenly Brownie Pecan Pie Recipe: A Sweet Symphony of Flavors

Sweet dreams come alive with a decadent brownie pecan pie that blends rich chocolate magic into every heavenly bite.

Layers of fudgy goodness intertwine with crunchy pecans for an irresistible dessert experience.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over this remarkable fusion of classic treats.

Nutty textures dance alongside smooth, intense chocolate notes that promise pure indulgence.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and celebration, inviting you to savor every delectable moment.

Southern baking traditions inspire this spectacular dessert that combines two beloved classics into one extraordinary creation.

You simply cannot resist cutting into this magnificent pie and sharing its delicious charm with everyone at the table.

Brownie Pecan Pie – The Best of Two Desserts

  • Unleash Flavor Fusion: This recipe brilliantly combines classic brownie decadence with traditional pecan pie, creating a mind-blowing dessert that surprises taste buds with rich chocolate and nutty crunch.
  • Master Impressive Baking: Although multi-step, the recipe offers achievable technique for home bakers wanting to elevate their dessert game with professional-looking results that will wow family and friends.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Sensation: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or special celebrations where you want a show-stopping sweet treat that delivers deep, complex flavors everyone will adore and remember.
  • Customizable Indulgence: Flexible recipe allows personalization with optional bourbon, different nut variations, or serving style like adding ice cream, making it adaptable to individual preferences and occasions.

Ingredients for Baking Brownie Pecan Pie Success

Crust Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure for the pie crust.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, flaky texture in the crust.
  • Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together without overworking it.
Brownie Filling Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides moisture and richness to the brownie layer.
  • Dark Chocolate: Gives deep chocolate flavor and smooth texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the brownie filling.
  • Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the brownie layer.
  • Espresso Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender brownie.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the brownie layer.
  • Cocoa Powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor and color.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness of the brownie.
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate bursts throughout the filling.
Pecan Topping Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, glossy sauce for the pecans.
  • Pecans: Provides a nutty crunch and classic pie flavor.
  • Light Corn Syrup: Gives a smooth, glossy texture to the topping.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and sweetness.
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Provide warm, aromatic spices.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness of the topping.

Brownie Pecan Pie Layering and Baking Directions

Brownie Pecan Pie Layering and Baking Directions

Step 1: Create Buttery Pie Crust

In a large mixing bowl, blend flour, sugar, and salt.

Add cold butter cubes and work the mixture until it looks like rough crumbs.

Slowly introduce ice water, gently mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball.

Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a couple of hours to firm up.

Step 2: Prepare Crust Base

Take out the chilled dough and roll it smoothly into a pie pan.

Cover with parchment paper and sprinkle pie weights across the surface.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375F for 22 minutes.

Remove weights and continue baking for an additional 18 minutes until the crust turns a light golden color.

Allow the crust to cool completely.

Step 3: Develop Rich Brownie Filling

In a saucepan, gently melt:
  • Butter
  • Chopped chocolate

Stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Remove from heat and whisk in sugar, eggs, espresso powder, and oil until well combined.

Carefully fold in:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Salt
  • Chocolate chips

Spread this decadent mixture evenly over the cooled crust.

Step 4: Bake Brownie Layer

Place the pie in the oven at 350F and bake for 32 minutes.

Let it rest and cool for half an hour before adding the topping.

Step 5: Create Caramelized Pecan Topping

In a saucepan, melt butter and toast pecans over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.

Stir in:
  • Corn syrup
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt
  • Bourbon (optional)
  • Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly and pour the glossy mixture evenly across the brownie layer.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing.

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for Gooey, Rich Brownie Pecan Pie Results

  • Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to prevent shrinking and ensure a flaky, tender crust that holds its shape perfectly during baking.
  • Use low heat and stir constantly when melting butter and chocolate to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy texture for the brownie filling.
  • Lightly toast pecans in the pan to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent them from becoming bitter or burnt during the final baking process.
  • Par-bake the crust before adding the brownie filling to create a crisp base that won't become mushy from the rich chocolate layer.

Brownie Pecan Pie Flavor and Nutty Mix-Ins

  • Gluten-Free Brownie Pecan Pie: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Chocolate Pecan Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. Select plant-based alternatives to create a compassionate dessert.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies. Keep the rich chocolate flavor while making the recipe safe for nut-sensitive individuals.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of traditional sugar. Select dark chocolate with minimal added sugar and reduce corn syrup quantity to create a diabetic-friendly version.

Presenting Brownie Pecan Pie for Holiday Desserts

  • Cozy Dessert Companion: Pair this decadent brownie pecan pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful contrast of warm and cold textures.
  • Sweet Beverage Pairing: Enjoy alongside a rich espresso or dark roast coffee to complement the deep chocolate and nutty flavors of the pie.
  • Elegant Presentation Touch: Drizzle extra melted chocolate or caramel sauce over each slice to elevate the visual appeal and add an extra layer of indulgence.
  • Seasonal Garnish Idea: Sprinkle some toasted pecan pieces and a light dusting of powdered sugar on top to create a beautiful and delicious finishing touch.

Brownie Pecan Pie Storage After Slicing

  • Store the pie in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
  • Wrap the completely cooled pie in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for quick single-serving treats lasting up to 1 month.
  • Warm refrigerated slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat in a preheated 325F oven for 10-12 minutes until slightly warm and gooey.

FAQs

  • What makes the crust flaky and tender?

The key is using cold cubed butter and ice water, which helps create layers in the dough. Chilling the dough before rolling also prevents shrinkage and maintains the buttery texture.

  • Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

Yes, dark chocolate works perfectly. Just adjust the sugar slightly if the dark chocolate is more intense. The rich chocolate flavor will still shine through in the brownie layer.

  • How do I know when the brownie layer is properly baked?

Look for slightly set edges with a slightly soft center. The top should look matte and not wet. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

  • Is bourbon necessary for the pecan topping?

No, bourbon is optional. You can omit it entirely or substitute with maple syrup for a similar depth of flavor.

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Brownie Pecan Pie Recipe

Brownie Pecan Pie Recipe


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4.5 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 32 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sinful chocolate meets Southern charm in this irresistible Brownie Pecan Pie, where fudgy brownie layers mingle with classic pecan pie filling. Rich, nutty indulgence beckons you to savor each decadent, gooey bite of pure dessert magic.


Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust Base:

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
  • 0.33 cup ice water

Brownie Layer:

  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons oil (canola, vegetable, or coconut)
  • 0.75 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Pecan Topping:

  • 2 cups chopped pecans
  • 0.75 cup light corn syrup
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 0.5 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Craft a delicate pastry foundation by blending flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing vessel. Incorporate chilled butter chunks, working them into a crumbly texture. Introduce icy water sparingly, kneading until the dough coheres. Mold into a compact disc, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm.
  2. Unfurl the chilled dough and drape into a pie vessel. Shield with parchment, anchor with ceramic weights. Roast at 375F for 22 minutes. Unveil weights and continue baking 18 minutes until golden-edged. Allow to cool completely.
  3. Gentle heat transforms butter and chocolate into a silken mixture over low flame. Remove from thermal source, vigorously whisk in sugar, eggs, espresso powder, and oil until harmonious. Delicately fold flour, cocoa, salt, and chocolate chips into the glossy batter. Spread evenly across cooled crust.
  4. Bake the chocolate layer at 350F for 32 minutes. Rest for half an hour before crowning with pecan adornment.
  5. Toast pecans in bubbling butter over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Introduce corn syrup, brown sugar, warming spices, salt, optional bourbon, and vanilla. Stir until glossy. Cascade mixture uniformly across brownie landscape.
  6. Permit pie to settle and cool. Slice and serve, optionally accompanied by a pristine scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Master your pie crust by keeping butter super cold, which creates those flaky, melt-in-your-mouth layers that make pastry lovers swoon.
  • Prevent soggy bottoms by par-baking the crust and ensuring it’s completely cooled before adding the brownie filling, guaranteeing a crisp texture.
  • Elevate the brownie layer’s richness by using high-quality dark chocolate and toasting chocolate chips briefly before folding into the batter for deeper, more complex flavor notes.
  • Customize the pecan topping by swapping bourbon with rum or maple syrup for different flavor profiles, making this dessert adaptable to personal preferences or ingredient availability.
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 416
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 176 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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